Dolphins release Mario Williams; Branden Albert's future unclear
The Miami Dolphins have already parted with two veterans along the defensive line, and a change on the offensive line could be on the horizon.
Left tackle Branden Albert was expected to be released by the team, according to multiple reports, but was not among the cuts the team announced Thursday. The Miami Herald reported the Dolphins are assessing their options on moving the left tackle after interest emerged for a possible trade.
Defensive end Mario Williams and defensive tackle Earl Mitchell were both released, as was cornerback Ifo Ekrpe-Olomu.
Albert, 32, has anchored the Dolphins' line for three seasons when healthy but missed four games last year because of a wrist injury and illness. He hasn't played all 16 games since 2011 with Kansas City.
Albert was due to make $8.88 million this year. He mentored 2016 first-round pick Laremy Tunsil, who was a three-year starter at left tackle at Mississippi and played mostly guard as an NFL rookie after he was taken 13th in the draft.
Tunsil was touted as a potential No. 1 overall choice before a video was posted on his Twitter account showing him smoking from a gas mask connected to a bong.
Williams had a career-low 1.5 sacks in his lone year with Miami, as his playing time diminished over the course of the season. The former No. 1 overall pick started just five games.
But Williams' departure leaves the Dolphins thin at defensive end. Miami has just three players at the position on its active roster now, and starter Cam Wake turned 35 in January.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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